Embarrassed by asthma?

(Photo of the article from Family Circle Magazine)

Do any of you feel like you are embarrassed by asthma?

I read an article in Family Circle Magazine about kids that are embarrassed to use their medication.

The article was talking about how kids won't take their asthma inhalers, check their blood sugar levels, or give themselves insulin for their diabetes.

Why?

Well.....I guess because they don't want to look different. 

Everyone wants to "fit in".

Have your kids felt that way? Most of the times our kids won't tell us even if they DO feel that way. You know, that would mean they would have to talk to us....

But, even adults can feel too embarrassed to use their inhaler in public.

I found a scientific paper called "Stigma in the Lives of Asthma Patients: A Review From the Literature." 

The researcher looked at all of the scientific studies about the stigma about asthma (embarrassment), and how that affects the lives of those with asthma.  (If you want to read his paper, scroll half way down the page and you can download his research paper.)

I used to feel embarrassed to use my inhaler in public.

 But then I decided it was my job to let people see me use my inhaler and realize it's no big deal! After all, I am a Certified Asthma Educator (AE-C), and if I don't want to use my inhaler in public, then what kind of example am I setting?!

So, I use it. 

During meetings at work, during church (yep - right there in the middle of the pew), at the movie theater or during my daughter's dance recital.

Once in a while, I will see someone looking at me. I will look back at them and smile, as if to say, "Don't worry, I got this."

I make sure I use proper inhaler technique too. If people are going to watch me, they better see me use it the right way!

If you want to make sure you are using your inhaler the right way, you can watch the video from the Utah Asthma Program.

And if you feel like you need to use your inhaler - do it! It can be scary and dangerous to wait.

And you can help set a good example for those around you. Let them see that it's okay to have asthma and use your inhaler in public!

And if you want to learn how to help your kids with ANY chronic disease, read the article, "No one Needs To Know I'm Sick". 

You'll be glad you did!